Miracles Happen

This is a highly prayed for desire.
This is a miracle and blessing.
This is a wonderful life change.
This is a peace maker.
This is a family gatherer.
This is a gift from God.
This is Elizabeth Fogarty Carnes!

PEO Meet

Yesterday, when I was in the process of getting to leave work, Lori's mom comes in the office and asks who has the Cottey College bumper sticker on their car. IMMEDIATELY, I was so excited and knew she had to be a PEO. I jumpingly answered "that is me, you've gotta be a PEO!" Oh my Gosh! This is the most smilest news all week long! I sang C-C-Cottey for her, hugged her a few times, kept saying how I couldn't believe I didn't already know this about her, and how much more amazingly Lori now is with this little bit of knowledge. Meeting a PEO is always postive for me because I owe them all so much gratitude. I'm sure all my fellow ducks would agree. While helping her mom carry some stuff upstairs, we talked a little more. I have to find out how she became a PEO and more about her drive through Nevada, MO. Since she will be here for a bit, I will have time to share pics and PEO safe memories!
What a treasure during these past two weeks of UGH!

DUCKS LOVE THE PEOS!

Name Update

6/6/08 The guy who does the invoices gets to see very interesting versions of my name. What is really sad is that it is my writing that they can't read! opps! I will have to add more as they come in, but I will try to print more clearly so there will not be as many! He says there are more versions on earlier invoices...shucks that would take time to find.
J.Cervila
Joanna C.
7/10/2008 Well we are actually having some fun with it now. If I put my name, I just write it and don't really think about it. That will be below. I will also put some of the efforts of having fun names.
James Carilla-ille (look hyphenated and I'm not married)
Harry Buettis (it was supposed to be Harry Butts)
Mrs.Sims (funny thing is it actually says illegible)
James C.
Jeane

Got Talent?

I enjoy America's Got Talent when I can see it. I pretty much only see it by YouTube now. This reason we have what may be a copy cat from the british version. Both could make you cry. Should be interesting how it plays out when they are in vegas.
The American:


The Brit,who won:

Happy Birthdays

So things are somewhat smiley today. Gma has an IV to help hydrate her and three cousins agreed! It is truly a good thing that we all came to the same conclusion on our own and were willing to fight for it. Nursing home shouldn't try to pawn off their patients...pffffftttt!
Today is a day for celebration and fun. It is Uncle Stanley's 80th birthday! It is Grandma's 91st birthday! It is American's Birthday! It is Amanda S's birthday. Did you know that Obama's daughter also has a b-day today?...that is pretty darn American if you ask me...not that it would change my vote! I'm making cake ice cream with blue in it and strawberry ice cream for Gma's celebration. Kinda a lousy birthday for her being in bed and all. She is on thickened liquids so ice cream will be the enjoyment..no cake.
Here is a picture from the little bit of no rain time this morning for the Texas City parade.

Here is my number...USE IT

Tuesday night I went to the nursing home to discover that Grandma had had most likely a mini-stroke that early morning. NO ONE HAD CALLED ANYONE ALL DAY! I am still pissed about that. It took about 40mins before anyone finally talked to me to inform me a little bit. During that time she was unresponsive overall, had her jaw open, and was very hot. Other that wanting to know why no one had called me, I kept thinking how many people die near their birthday. That is one of the things I've learned in my job. I just kept bawling every time that thought came to my head. I couldn't get Pam on the phone, no words from the staff yet, and grandma of course couldn't explain what was going on with her. When the nurse was finally updating me some it didn't seem like she really knew much to say. I tried to help get her comfortable for sleeping and then left. Called mother to let her know what I knew but she didn't really convey the concern I expected her to show. Pam finally called me back and said she'd talk to administration today. The nurse called me after speaking with the doctor (shocking) but mainly to say the doctor we be there in the morning.
So this morning I went to the NH and am told so many different things. The saddest thing is that the Dr. will not be in. What the freak? I'm there for four hours trying to make sense of things. I kept grandma fairly engaged most of that time. She needed fluids so I made sure to get them down her so they could do another test. I asked to be called if it was hard and I'd come back. I said call me when the blood results come in. No such luck. Tonight when I went up there she hadn't been given the extra drinks that were in her room. She thankfully had been changed at least. She was warm again, but the temp didn't register. I may have to take it tomorrow night to ease my mind cause I don't trust most of that staff. UGH! I found out that they had gotten the blood work results back. Grandma was about the same as last night, but she was alittle bit more responsive. Still answers were contradictory or non-existent. How hard is it to give the family the truth?
Hopefull, I'll get rest tonight and tomorrow there will be improvement. Perhaps, Paul and Terry will get their butts there and see that we need to move her. Mostly, I would just like it if her birthday she could at least be able to sing again.

Stressful Weeks

First of all I feel like I need a disclaimer for someone who reads this and has heard/seen some of my life this past few weeks. It is one of those times when having a friend and a boss in the same person really sucks. But I'm gonna let go of the freaking out my head does about that because my heart and head have been over full the last two weeks.

What is terrible, for me, is that there is still so much that I either don't have details for or that I can't share. Just sort of needing to list things to actually be able to be thankful God has let me live through it. So some of the things of the past two weeks:
* close friend having day surgery
* another close friend may have TB and dealing with that
* Gma has some bruise on her knee and elbow that we weren't told about
* Sally's bump
* stupid door
* Pam's surgery
* Alisa's surgery
* Shannon actually moving
* church deadlines
* Joyce's dog
* stupid family politics

I've cheated the last two nights so that I could sleep through the night. UGH...I hate doing that. My mind races so much when I lay down even though I'm yawning and closing my eyes. So yeah...I've taken the Benadryl to make me sleep all through the night. God is just so odd when He brings challenges. Making me face so many loved ones with health issues just is hard to grasp. I hate that I don't have the energy, because of the tears probably, to do something for those who I am able to do things for. The worst thing about all of this is who I've become at work. I've been rude to others this week. My tolerance level was so low with co-workers and phone patience. Generally, I'm happy with where I sit for work because it is away from some of the talking/gossip. With my faith and sleep being less, I stupidly wanted to be involved with it. Wanting to fix pain with inflicting pain isn't a good way to handle problems, yet I tried that. I freakin got reported because I annoyed with the questions I was being asked (even though I know I have to answer the stupid questions). On my facebook, I posted the rainbow from the other day. It is really true that I need God to make me see the rainbows through all the rain in my eyes. I don't like the evil that I have become this week, and I don't like not having the faith to believe that:
* God loves my close friend who had day surgery
* God loves my another close friend may have TB and will help her deal with it
* God loves Gma and will someday have truth prevail
* God loves Sally's bump and her family
* God loves the people in my apartment complex
* God loves Pam even if she doesn't have a relationship with Him
* God loves Alisa even if she doesn't have a realtionship with Him
* God loves Shannon and will find her new friends in Corpus (and find me one here)
* God loves His church and already has the plan made
* God loves Austin
* God loves my family and He is the Peacemaker, not me

Sally Update

MandI just called to let me know how Sally is doing. I know I suck at dealing with things about disease and/or death, so these past few days have been really hard. Yes, I know she isn't even MY dog! When I spent time with Sally last night and this morning, I was some what put at ease that she wasn't in almost death condition. She simply has an abses (sp?) on her back tooth. They will figure out how to deal with it when Phillip gets back. Thankfully, she is following the rule of nothing too terrible while her Daddy is away.

The Blogging World

Three of my deep thinking blogs that I read have been very powerful the past few days. I love that! I miss it severly in my people to people conversations, so having the blog world is very helpful for me.
One of the writers is someone I went to Cottey with. I actually met her when I sat in on a class when I was checking out the college. Then, my freshman year, my suite kinda adopted her into the love for meals, traditions, movie time, and probably academics too. When I went to Meredith, I saw her again at these huge statewide BSU events. It was so odd to share that other part of life with her. Then a few years ago, I learn that she was in Divinity (not candy) school. FASCINATING! Her thoughts about her path and her theology mixed with daily life are a blessing for me. She helps me to remember that God didn't design me into some crappy creature to be tossed aside. When I read her, I want to just sit down and call to get even more into it. I'm still a tad frustrated that God didn't allow them to move to Texas when she graduated.
Another one of the writers, I happened upon about three years ago. I was searching for stuff about Florida camp. This minister was questioning Dr.T and the way the gospel is presented at camp. I had to comment. Then I got to staying around and reading more of his posts. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that there weren't many women commenting, but it didn't deter me. He is a minister that truly is missional focused. He truly loves people at their core and wants to understand people. He allows us to be able to watch his daughter grow. He truly cherishes his wife. Through his blog, I was connected to even more of the SBC-blogging circle. How much I loved the way so many of the blogs had open conversations even with some disagreements. People generally didn't get all upset just because someone disagreed with them. This minister's blog is one of the best I've seen for being able to do that. It has the added benefit of making me think.
Finally there is the blog of the young one. Sometimes I read her writings and feel like take a shower from what I've read. Then there are times that just make me truly laugh so hard. Sadly, a few days ago, I cried almost for an hour after reading a post. I didn't even finish reading it the first time. I shut the computer and tried to go to bed. I had to get back up and finish it, then I still cried tears for her, me, the truth, and the commonality. Two days after reading it, I "twittered" her that I'd love to talk to her more about it. See for me blogging should be about the author feeling free to express herself, experiences, and interesting findings. I regret that she lives in the reality of fear of being loved because of her words or thoughts...especially from her family. Then I realized, I have felt that way as well.

***To those of you that have blogs to update about your family life and travels, I do enjoy those as well cause it shows a different side of you. There is just a difference in the pressure for thinking.

Sally Sores

MandI calls me at work to ask me if I had seen sores on Sally's face. I hadn't...and it has been was Thursday evening that I last saw her. Then a couple of hours later, I receive an email telling me that Sally will be going to be vet on Wednesday. Praying that Sally is obedient to the rule of nothing severe is allowed to happen to her while Phillip, her daddy, is out of town.

So that news from California

Ted Arman has big plans for his Iron Mountain Mine and the acidic water that seeps from the federal Superfund site.

They include a return to mineral mining at the location nine miles northwest of Redding, Calif., and a 200-foot Italian marble statue of Jesus Christ atop the 3,500-foot mountain that Arman says would be the largest in the world. Next to the steel-framed Christ would stand a 100-foot crucifix. Arman said the cross also would be lit up at night.

"I hope to make the property a Garden of Eden," Arman said.

But a federal official says that none of Arman's changes are in the works at the mine, home to what scientists have called the world's worst water and whose iron-red scar is visible from much of Redding. read more here

and a funner view of the tale here
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I know I've seen many of these type of large statues (been on the throw-up road too many times to Eureka Springs!) and the picture of the famous one in Rio. I just don't get it. To me it isn't something that worships God, but seems more like an idol. The two articles that I read about it almost make the man sound crazy as well. Yes, Noah was tought to be crazy as well, but a statue will not get you anywhere. There are plenty of non-Christians in California (and elsewhere) so it would make more sense to me to spend that money trying to build relationships with the people! The guy just doesn't comprehend that usually the people who come to these crazy statues are believers (or those that think they are). Does he really need to help clearly break a 10 commandment in California? My SPUH was from redding and I'm sure this will not help her to be a believer. Faith that brings stupid decisions is so frustrating. God did not take away intelligence!
Maybe Californians have such a need to be famous that they keep making dumb decisions even ones involving faith?
So now God can have a final word and just have one of those great California Earthquakes in 4yrs, and the statue crashes in the man's garden. oh brother!

Thought on through out day from another blog

What would happen if…..

Followers of Jesus concentrated on sharing their faith with a lost and dying world?
Followers of Jesus prayed for the church across the street?
Churches didn’t see other churches as competition but as allies?
Churches rejoiced when another church is thriving?
We realized our view might be wrong?
Their church is just as important to God as yours?
We recognized God likes variety?
Followers of Jesus didn’t shoot their wounded?
We acted like Grace really is amazing?
We give Grace beyond the point of conversion?
We realized God likes worship–no matter what the style is?
Churches in a community partnered with each other to reach the lost and hurting people that God has given to them?
Churches didn’t criticize other churches?
Followers of Jesus didn’t nit-pick other believers, churches or ministries?
Followers of Jesus became part of the solution rather than being the problem?
We really prayed….?
Followers of Jesus could put aside differences in order to minister to a dying world?
Followers of Jesus really became one?

What do you think?
Now, I don't think any of this is about doctrine. There are some churches/pastors that don't teach the gospel. It just breaks my heart to know that we bicker about some stupid crap around churches that has nothing to do with our coworkers, family, friends, and neighbors having a relationship Christ. Heck, I've even been listening to and watching the SBC annual meeting this week. Not because I agree with everything about the SBC, but because I do believe and support the amazing way southern baptist can do missions.

Misty Evening to GANO

Last night, my bible study class took up meals for today to be eaten by the summer missionaries for Houston Baptist Centers. Glynda was in a very hostess mood and three hadn't been to the new building. I hadn't been through the building with everyone actually living there. I wasn't ready for the emotional pull I was going to feel when we were walking through the building. First was seeing the mail and prayer board area in use. When serving this is such a vital part of support -- prayer and love from outsiders and prayer and lover from coworkers. As we went up the stairs, there was a picture that had been made for the many different children the centers serve. Then she opened the door to the guys room. The bunk beds, lack of storage, open closet, and community bathroom --- all giving me thoughts of great memories! Then we moved into hall to be shone the room for the missionaries to relax in. The was a very comfy looking room. Floods of memories overcame me from the bonding we had in our "no feet on the furniture" living room. Then we turned into the room for the women. Maradee made a comment about the bedspreads being similar. I giggled for a moment in my head thinking about making beds at RSBM. The summer house mom was very concerned about the "critter" staying closest to the bathroom because of the light. It kinda got to me when I saw the bibles on the beds as we were about to leave the room. Why isn't it when you are so drained from doing clearly God's work, it is easier to make time to read his word? Even though inner city missions work is hard, the lessons and love of God is just so high. When we left the second floor, I followed quickly down the stairs so the feelings would not be so present on my mind. We said our good-byes. On our drive out of the area, we saw a wreck. Another in the car was worried about a gun. No fear ever crossed my mind, just the hassel of getting around.
Makes me really desire the day when God makes this a normal part of my life again.

Wonder Woman actress finds body on river in D.C

WASHINGTON June 7, 2008, 07:17 am ET · The actress who played Wonder Woman on TV in the 1970s says she didn't do anything extraordinary when she discovered a body this week on the Potomac River in Washington.

Lynda Carter tells The Washington Post she was alone in a boat when she saw the body Wednesday. She says she didn't have a cell phone with her, so she yelled to some fishermen and asked them to call police. Carter waited until rescuers arrived and directed them to the body.

District of Columbia police say the body of 47-year-old Helen Johnstone of Washington was found floating on the river Wednesday. The medical examiner's office has not declared an official cause of death.

Carter says she "did what anybody would have done."

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Now, I'm not sure that is what I would have done. Maybe eventually, but not as level headed as this makes it sound. Very possibly, I would have needed some new Wonder Woman Underoos (we had them as children) if I had seen that body! Too bad she couldn't lasso it up and take it to the MEs office. Wonder if those fisherman wondered if she had apprehended a suspect...HA!

Self Absorbed

I totally need to be slapped upside the head. I just saw this overly cute cake and said it was for me. Now we have two pregnant women so totally the rubber duckie cake is for them (stephenie I think cause it is a blue background..ugh). Seriously how selfish am I to think a cake is for me when it is no where near September! This does not mean that I want a cake either.
EDITED: I've added the picture of it. There were even more questions after this post about it being my birthday. (I don't want this cake for my birthday even though it is cute!) I put a post-it note on the cake to let people know it wasn't my cake. This was before reading Lori's comment. Still too odd for this day...or maybe not because today was an odd day. (getting ready for a whirlwind week ahead)